Race Equity at the Center
Within our agency and in the communities that we serve, C+FS is committed to diversity and inclusion with race equity at the center. Every day we work to promote safety, health, and wellness. We will not stop until Black, Indigenous and People of Color are free from racism and experience peace, prosperity and well-being.
Why is it important for us to put race equity at the center or the core of our work?
Child and Family Services recognizes the disparities and inequities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) since the foundation of this country. Where disparities and inequities exist for other marginalized identities (women, LGBTQ+, differently abled, etc.), those disparities and inequities are magnified when coupled with the identity as a BIPOC individual.
In order for us to create a truly equitable and inclusive environment for all identities, it is necessary for us to identify and eliminate racial disparities that exist in our organization for both staff and the lives we serve.
What Have We Done?
Race Equity Impact Analysis
The Agency has used the national Race Equity Impact Analysis tool to ensure that all policies, practices, and procedures, are carried out with race equity in mind. It is C+FS’ goal to provide all levels of management with training on the use of this tool.
Black History Month Events
Child and Family Services celebrates Black History Month both through activities promoting public engagement and by continuing to evolve Agency policies to create a safe place where all feel welcome and valued. The poster to the left is an example of the voices and issues elevated through virtual webinars. The main goal is to create and maintain an environment where all people – no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical capabilities – are celebrated all year long.
Click here to register for The Art of Radical Self-Care webinar.
What are We Doing?
Vendor Diversity
Vendor or supplier diversity is not only a benefit to the organization, but it often indirectly contributes to job growth in Black communities when Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) hire new workers from the local community to fulfill contracts. Using a diversity, equity and inclusion lens, the Agency will continue to work with and utilize the talents of Black owned businesses in our community. This strategy will allow us to grow the number of business to business relationships with MWBE’s.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Child and Family Services’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee helps to make certain each of these principles is incorporated throughout all of the Agency’s programs and services. They are a key part in bringing a broad perspective by evaluating everything from job descriptions to community engagement opportunities. Their input is critical to our internal equity audit as well as making certain we lead with diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront for our community.
Leadership Acceleration Program
Child and Family Services recognizes the opportunity to grow its next generation of diverse leaders from within the Agency. With this goal in mind, we started the Leadership Acceleration Program in November of 2021. The first cohort was chosen through a competitive application process to ensure that a variety of voices and skill sets were represented in the program. The group meets year-round to learn foundational skills sets including time management, efficient meeting strategies and how to delegate effectively. Our senior leadership team also shared their experiences to help open a transparent dialogue around the challenges and opportunities of management. Child and Family Services values investing in potential leaders from a variety of backgrounds as it will help to build diverse leadership for the entire community.
Board of Directors
All facets of change start with governance of the Board of Directors. C+FS’ board is actively seeking board members who represent our service population and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all dimensions of our operations.